MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach says the 38-year-old Manny Pacquiao is still the hardest working fighter he has ever trained.
“I have been training Manny for 15 years and even after all this time he still amazes me,” Roach, who has been Pacquiao’s trainer for more than a decade, said in a Top Rank news release.
Roach has been preparing Pacquiao in Manila for the latter’s November 5 tussle with Jessie Vargas. They are schedule to leave for Los Angeles on October 22 for the final phase of Pacquiao’s training.
Throughout his Manila camp, Pacquiao has juggled his workouts and his work as a senator, which Roach said his prized ward was able to do well.
“He's pushing 38 and he still outworks every fighter I've ever worked with. He's had a killer schedule during this training camp but it's been really productive. You'd have to see it to believe it,” said Pacquiao’s longtime cornerman.
A heavy favorite against Vargas, Pacquiao will challenge the WBO welterweight champion at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, just five months after announcing his retirement.
Pacquiao maintained that he can perform well both as a boxer and a senator, hinting at more fights in the future.
“It is all about discipline and time management. Boxing is my passion and public service is my calling. I will continue to travel both roads as long as I can do both effectively,” he said.